Why Make This Recipe
Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This dish combines tender chicken thighs with sweet and tangy BBQ sauce and honey, all served over fluffy rice. It’s quick to prepare and packs great flavors, making it a family favorite. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup!
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (optional)
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Directions
- Season the chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
- In the same pan, toast the uncooked rice for 1–2 minutes.
- Add the chicken broth and half of the sauce mixture to the pan. Stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the pan and pour the remaining sauce over the top.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
- Add mixed vegetables, cover, and cook for 5 more minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and enjoy!
How to Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Rice hot, right from the pan. You can enjoy it as is or with extra BBQ sauce on the side. This dish goes well with a fresh salad or coleslaw for a complete meal.
How to Store Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
Tips to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers or peas, to boost the nutrients.
- For a little extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix.
Variation
You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner cut of meat. Also, for a vegetarian option, use tofu instead of chicken and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice usually takes longer to cook.
2. Can I freeze Honey BBQ Chicken Rice?
Yes, you can freeze the dish. Make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
3. What can I serve with Honey BBQ Chicken Rice?
This dish is quite filling on its own, but you can serve it with steamed veggies or a light salad for a refreshing side.

Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A comforting one-pan meal of tender chicken thighs, sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, and fluffy rice, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (optional)
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, honey, and minced garlic.
- In the same pan, toast the uncooked rice for 1–2 minutes.
- Add the chicken broth and half of the sauce mixture to the pan. Stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the pan and pour the remaining sauce over the top.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
- Add mixed vegetables, cover, and cook for 5 more minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and enjoy!
Notes
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
